David Hildebrand to perform music of the War of 1812

April 27, 2013

The Maryland Humanities Council will present David Hildebrand in a concert of “Music of the War of 1812 in America,” Sunday, May 19, at 4 p.m. in St. Mark’s Fellowship Center, 18313 Lappans Road, Boonsboro.

The War of 1812 spawned a huge variety of songs in America. From the early stirrings of party politics under President Adams, the traumatic effect of Jefferson’s Embargo in 1807, the triumph at Fort McHenry to the last battle in New Orleans, Americans took pen to paper to tear at political opponents, to dramatize the great sea battles between huge frigates in full sail and to laud battle heroes like Hull and Perry.

In addition, songs of ridicule, sentimental ballads of love and separation and songs encouraging enlistments were sung at home, on the streets and in theaters.

Hildebrand has done research on music and its role in America during the period of 1807 to 1815. He offers public lectures, concerts and other presentations of music of the War of 1812, both on a solo basis and in duet with his wife, Ginger Hildebrand. For more than 30 years, the husband and wife team has appeared professionally at historic sites, museums and educational institutions and they have collaborated on six full length recordings.

His presentations are lively and dynamic, involving storytelling, scene-setting and humorous anecdotes which punctuate his musical offerings. Additionally, David Hildebrand consults and advises for program development, exhibition design and other creative uses of music for educational purposes.

The performance is free and open to the public as part of the Maryland Humanities Council Maryland War of 1812 Commission.